Essentials

Tour Info

Summary of nights

Anchorage 2; Homer 2; Seward 2; Girdwood 1; Talkeetna 1; Denali 2; Fairbanks 1.

Transport

Rental car and Denali Star Train.

Guides

Certain tours and guided experiences are included with this holiday. Please see Included Excursions. Recommended excursions can be done independently or speak to your consultant to arrange optional guided experiences where possible.

Clothing & special equipment

Good hiking boots and warm clothing are essential for exploring glaciers and mountainous national parks.

Weather

The best time to visit Alaska is between May and September with the warmest weather, longest days, and the best opportunities to watch wildlife such as bears and whales. Spring arrives between April and June and varies from cold to mild and is a quieter time to visit. Summer is peak season from June to August when northern areas enjoy the midnight sun. Autumn (September-October) sees temperatures fall quickly with frequent rain but the Fall colours make this an attractive time. Winters (November-March) are cold, ranging from zero down to -20°C with milder conditions in coastal areas and Inside Passage, and colder more severe winters further north, at higher altitudes and inland. August to April is the best time to do snow activities and see the Northern Lights with the clearest visibility in the winter months.

Altitude

There are high altitudes in mountainous national parks such as Denali and Wrangell-St Elias so it’s important to pace yourself and be prepared for severe cold.